San Marcos honors its 'champions'

SAN MARCOS  Several community members were honored by the San Marcos City Council at last month’s State of the City event.

The city started the “San Marcos Champions” awards last year to recognize contributions to the community. Each council member selects a champion.

• Pia Harris-Ebert was chosen by Vice Mayor Hal Martin for her two decades of service on the San Marcos City Council.

Harris-Ebert was the first woman elected to the council, and the city’s Redevelopment Agency was established during her tenure. She was also president of the local teachers union.

• Ginger Hitzke, president of Hitzke Development, was honored by Councilwoman Rebecca Jones for her work as an affordable housing developer. Jones called Hitzke’s Autumn Terrace development “a beacon of light for what’s to come in the Richmar neighborhood.”

Jones also praised Hitzke’s volunteer work for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos and on affordable housing issues with groups such as the San Diego Housing Federation, Urban Renewal Now.

• Steve and Kathleen Kildoo were recognized by Councilman Chris Orlando for their “breathtaking 50 years of combined service” on eight city commissions and boards.

“Steve and Kathleen Kildoo have answered the call every time San Marcos has asked them to serve,” Orlando said, adding that the couple’s. multiple obligations have made the city a better place. He also noted their countless hours with volunteer organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce.

• Karen Sherman, owner of Green Gables Estate, was chosen by Councilwoman Kristal Jabara for re-establishing the Old Richland Schoolhouse as an event venue.

Sherman, CEO of San Diego Special Events Corp. and Wedding Day Catering Co., is advocate for historic preservation, Jabara said. When the former operator of the schoolhouse abruptly shut the business, Sherman and her team stepped in and “have worked diligently for the past five months to bring this San Marcos landmark estate back to its former glory,” Jabara said.